Optimization of an Optical Test Bench for Tire Properties Measurement and Tread Defects Characterization.

Area of Science:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Physics

Background:

• Tire characteristics significantly influence vehicle dynamics and performance.
• Accurate measurement of tread characteristics and contact patch pressure distribution is essential for tire modeling.
• Existing methods for tire analysis have limitations in capturing real-time contact pressure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel test bench for measuring tire contact pressure distribution.
• To investigate parameters affecting the calibration and accuracy of the test bench.
• To evaluate the influence of tire inflation pressure, camber angle, and defects on contact pressures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a test bench based on the principle of frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) of light.
• Employed a laterally illuminated glass with an interposed plastic interface for light reflection.
• Captured images with a video camera, relating pixel brightness to normal pressure.
• Conducted experimental tests to analyze calibration parameters and their impact.

Main Results:

• Established a correlation between pixel brightness and normal pressure in the tire-ground contact patch.
• Identified key parameters affecting test bench calibration, including interface material, diffuse light, hysteresis, creep, and light absorption.
• Demonstrated the ability to relate tire inflation pressure and camber angle to pressure distribution.
• Successfully detected and evaluated the influence of tire defects on contact pressures.

Conclusions:

• The developed FTIR test bench provides a reliable method for measuring tire contact pressure distribution.
• The study highlights the importance of careful calibration for accurate pressure measurements.
• The test bench is effective in assessing the impact of operational parameters and defects on tire performance.